Livestock producers from far and wide will be heading north to what is described as one of the leading northern livestock events next month. Borderway Agri Expo, on Friday 2^nd Nov, is expected to attract 10,000 people to cast their eye over what will be some tremendous stock.

A £12,000 prize fund, 20 breed societies, 150 trade exhibitors and an array of top class cattle including noted ‘Jager Bomb’ will certainly make for an exciting time.

And that’s not all. The Sheep Show will incorporate 20 commercial classes with the prestigious Borderway Agri-Expo Perpetual Challenge Trophy, going to the overall champion pair of lambs. Judging the sheep will be Mr Bill McKinnon, Procurement Manager for Scotbeef Ltd, Stirling and also Brian Ridsdale, a prominent mule lamb farmer from Cumbria.

For the beef farmers, 19 cattle classes and almost £2000 in special prizes  are up for grabs with the Native and Continental cattle classes being judged by expert Mr Gareth Corrie of both Corrie Meats and Drumhilla Farm in Northern Ireland. The Baby Beef Judging will be left to Mr John McAlister of West Thomaston Farm in Stirlingshire.

So, what’s new for 2012?

Well first up is the Walkers Shortbread Aberdeen-Angus Show Herd of the Year Competition 2012. There are also new trade stands including the Highland Cattle Society, Blue Grey Cattle Group, Britmilk, Advantage Feeders, Kiwikit Ltd and Cowcare Systems Ltd. And finally, C T Hayton adds to the collection with their skid steer demonstrations.

Over 800 livestock entries include;

• National Suckled Calf and Primestock Cattle Classes with 184 entries

(Judging 8.30am (22 classes plus Championships))

• Baby Beef with 71 entries

(Judging approx 12 noon to 1.30pm (6 classes plus Championships))

•National Prime Sheep Stock Classes with 129 entries

(Judging 8.30am (18 classes plus Championship))

• Best Pair of Mule Ewe Lambs with 9 entries

(Judging approx 1.00pm)

• Aberdeen Angus Winter National Show with 99 entries

(Judging 10.30am (12 classes plus Championships))

• Simmental Society and Regional Calf Show with 37 entries

(Judging approx 1.00pm (6 classes plus Championships))

• Hereford National Calf Show with 70 entries

(Judging 9.30am (15 classes plus Championships))

• Beef Shorthorn Society Calf Show - 48 entries

(Judging approx.1.00pm (6 classes plus Championships))

• Border British Blue Club Calf Show - 60 entries

(Judging approx.1.00pm (8 classes plus Championships))